Trent Viaducts

The Trent Viaducts are two railway bridges running side by side that cross the river between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, both still in active use today. The older structure dates from the mid-1800s, while a second crossing was added later to handle additional freight services.

The first bridge was built in 1839 by engineer Charles Blacker Vignoles as a major feat of early railway engineering. A second bridge was constructed between 1891 and 1893 to handle growing freight traffic across the region.

These structures represent the early railway expansion that connected Britain's regions and changed how people and goods moved across the Midlands. Walking near the viaducts, you can observe how they fit into the river landscape and continue to serve regular train services.

The best views of both viaducts come from the riverbanks, especially when looking up at the structures from below. Remember that both bridges remain in active use, so it is important to observe safely and stay away from the railway tracks.

Just south of the viaducts are two railway tunnels carved through Red Hill that carry the line smoothly through the rolling landscape. These tunnels are often overlooked, yet they show how engineers solved the challenge of routing trains through uneven terrain with creative design.

Location: Derbyshire

Location: Nottinghamshire

Architects: Charles Blacker Vignoles

Official opening: 1839

GPS coordinates: 52.87350,-1.26617

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42